Manila: Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Thursday criticized the lawyer of a policeman linked to the ‘missing sabungeros’ case, accusing him of attempting to confuse the investigation. Torre emphasized that lawyer Bernard Vitriolo should recognize that the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is not the appropriate venue for submitting affidavits supporting the policemen-suspects under investigation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Torre’s remarks came in response to Vitriolo’s statement during a press briefing in Quezon City. Vitriolo, representing one of the police officers implicated in the cockfighters’ disappearance, accused the CIDG of neglecting affidavits submitted by 12 witnesses in favor of the policemen. Torre clarified that the proper venue for such affidavits is the Department of Justice, suggesting Vitriolo’s actions aim to muddle the case.
The CIDG previously explained that it could not accept the affidavits due to a procedural violation, as they were executed without police investigators’ presence. Official protocols require investigators to aid in affidavit preparation to ensure document credibility.
Meanwhile, the brothers of whistleblower Julie ‘Dondon’ Patidongan filed an administrative complaint against former CIDG Director Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz at the National Police Commission headquarters in Quezon City. Elakim and Jose Patidongan accused Macapaz, along with Jairus Vincent Concina and Lt. Col. Rossel Encarnacion, of misconduct and dishonesty, criticizing their treatment during a July arrest in Cambodia.
Elakim detailed that their cellphones were returned without SIM and memory cards, allegedly containing crucial evidence. He expressed that their trust in Macapaz was misplaced, as he later had them arrested at the NAIA.
Julie Patidongan accused Macapaz of attempting to coerce families of the missing sabungeros into signing an affidavit implicating him as the mastermind, instead of businessman Charlie ‘Atong’ Ang.
Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Vicente Calinisan assured reporters of due process for Macapaz and the Patidongan brothers, stating the complaint’s progression would be evaluated and potentially forwarded for formal charges.
PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Jean Fajardo credited Macapaz’s efforts with leading to the arrest of a ‘missing link’ in the case. She noted Jose’s robbery conviction and Elakim’s alias usage upon returning to the Philippines. Elakim was reportedly using a victim’s ATM card, while Jose was seen escorting another victim in a video.
